WIBU to make more use of this church?

[AirBnBnoise]

I moved late last year to another town and now live near a church in that there is only their car park between my house and the church.

I often use their cafe but they are a very busy and thriving church and have many clubs and social events that are open to all. I am an Atheist however so not really interested in attending church as such but I’d be happy to help volunteer for their food bank, pensioners club and any other events in addition to attending a few of the clubs that interest me. It’s also be nice to get to know more of the people there as they’re also effectively my neighbours.

Would it be weird/inappropriate to do this?

I think that's fine 👍

Based on 50 years of sporadic church attendance as we moved around the country:

Majority of churches will say that’s fine, even if you’re honest about your beliefs, because they view charity and community efforts as important and want to benefit and include everybody.

Some churches will say that’s fine because they are hoping (openly or less openly) that once you get more involved in the life of the church you will find yourself more curious about their particular brand of Christianity and be likely to become a believer.

A small proportion of churches will think that’s not ok because their members want to get together socially with other people who share their faith so it’s dishonest/taking advantage to take up a spot when you don’t share that faith.

You can only really tell which this church is by speaking to the vicar (or priest etc).

In any of these scenarios there will be some church members who will try to convert you, whatever the position of the church leadership.

Of course you should get involved if that's what you want to do, and it will be good to meet new people your neighbours and get settled in. Go for it!

I don't know any churches that would ban people from using their social clubs unless they believe in their God
it's not very Christian is it? Sorry Margaret, we only care about loneliness in CHRISTIAN elderly people, you lot can just suffer!

The church is operating community activities for the community, of course you can attend and volunteer to help out. Apart from anything else, with the exception of more fundamentalist and evangelical denominations, most churches really aren’t in the habit of interrogating their congregation’s or community’s personal relationship with God, nobody is likely to be questioning you about your beliefs beyond possibly asking if you attend services, out of interest.

Church is not a building, it is literally the people in it. You are the church.

it is not required to be a Christian and if you came to my church no one would even ask you. All are welcome.

I agree, I can't imagine even asking what a newcomers beliefs might be.

My attendance at church has been pretty mixed throughout adulthood. But if a new person turns up I hope I come across as welcoming and approachable. Whether or not they share my beliefs is not something I think about!

Thanks everyone. This is reassuring.

Absolutely you would be welcome to attend the social activities. They are there and open to all.
Up until very recently, I would have said that all Churches would welcome volunteers with open arms.

Interestingly, however, I have heard of a Church that are telling people who have offered to Volunteer, that they can't volunteer until they have attended the Church services for six months. I was gobsmacked, and have had a mooch around on the CofE website (this is a CofE Church) and looked at safeguarding and recruitment of Volunteers and there isn't a rule on there.
I'd love to hear from anyone who might be involved in the CofE who might be able to tell me more about this rule. Is it something that particular Church has made up? Or misinterpreted ? Or is it a rule that is hidden away somewhere that other Churches ignore? If the Church have it in place, is it something that can be questioned ? The person who offered to help with something was expecting to do Safeguarding training, and willing to have a DBS check, but was very surprised to hear they would have to attend services for 6 months before being able to help out with something (similar to a Lunch Club - didn't involve working closely with children, or, as they were offering to volunteer in the kitchen, particularly closely with anyone vulnerable, or certainly not in isolation if they did speak to someone when serving.).

Thanks

You've already said they have many clubs and social events that are open to all.

So why would it be a problem?

I live next to the church like you OP and join in with lots of things including working with the gang who tend the church yard and bell ringing. It's social and community focused and I enjoy the company. I even go to services as I enjoy the singing, the ritual and seeing my friends there. I'm welcomed with open arms by everyone there.

I've tried to feel the whole faith thing but really cannot. I felt guilty about this and told the vicar who gave the best answer. "You can go to the pub without drinking beer."

Can't argue with that.

My son volunteers in our local CofE church. He attends very sporadically, and is open in that "he doesn't know what he believes"
One of the other young volunteers I don't think attends at all. If she does it's elsewhere. So that's not a rule in our Church. Being "safely recruited", having a DBS and safeguarding training are essential.

@AirBnBnoise I know that my church will welcome anyone who wants to attend a group, unless it says its for a specific group. So women's bible study is for women only. And we always need more volunteers!